Should I see another GP about this?

[whenslydale]

Have waited 2 weeks to see GP about 10 year-old ds's 'absence' spells, been going on for 8 months approx. Have read a fair bit about them sometimes being an early sign of epilepsy so obviously a bit concerned. Waited to see this particular GP because dc is comfortable with this one and have found most of the others pretty unsympathetic on other occasions.

Absences are fairly frequent at the moment - at least one a day - but are quite 'mild' lasting about 10 seconds, no loss of consciousness or convulsion or anything, just tuning out and not aware of anything for those seconds. Anyway, having waited all that time GP simply said (looking at internet screen) 'it's quite common in this age group and he'll probably grow out of it, if the spells get more frequent or more serious symptoms come back to me.'

Should I accept this? I don't feel very reassured by it and I'm tempted to go again and see someone else - any advice/experience?

[luciemule]

I've just been reading my Early Years First Aid book and it's reassuring in that it says all you can do is book an app with GP.
Minor Epileptic Seizures (Absebce) are quite common and all you can do whilst you wait to see GP, is make sure that your DS isn't left in situations which, if he has a minor seizure, don't put him in danger.
Hope it all goes well .

[McDreamy]

Wouldn't be happy with that. Is there another Dr your son would see?

[pinkteddy]

I would definitely get a 2nd opinion. Are you in a GP practice with a number of different GPs?

[whenslydale]

Thanks - I am going to go to a local health centre where you can walk in and be seen. I'm pretty pissed of with my GP practice over a number of things and this is the last straw. I couldn't believe how patronising and dismissive he was after we'd waited so long - out on our ears in 10 mins.